New fashion exhibition celebrates Hardy Amies’ couture legacy through the wardrobe of Gloria Levin

September 18, 2025

New exhibition opens at Beecroft Art Gallery on Saturday 20 September 2025

Features couture pieces designed by Hardy Amies for business icon Gloria Levin

Show spans four decades of British fashion design

Admission is free; gallery open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM

Residents and visitors will soon be able to explore a stunning new fashion exhibition at Beecroft Art Gallery. Dressed for Business: The Gloria Levin Collection of Hardy Amies Couture showcases the wardrobe of Gloria Levin, one of the most influential women in British business history.

The exhibition features exquisitely tailored suits and extravagant dresses designed by Hardy Amies, the renowned couturier to Queen Elizabeth II. From 1960s streamlined silhouettes to flamboyant 1980s ballgowns, the collection reflects four decades of British fashion and Gloria’s powerful presence in the boardroom.

Hardy Amies was a leading figure in British design, best known for his work with Queen Elizabeth II, beginning with her royal tour to Canada in 1950. Though famous for menswear, Amies’ womenswear designs were equally innovative - comfortable, flattering, and elegant.

Gloria Levin (née Saporta) was a trailblazer in international business. Born in Egypt, she moved to London in 1961 and rose to prominence in the commodity market. By the 1970s, she held more directorships than any other woman in Britain, sitting on the boards of 29 companies.

Her wardrobe, curated over decades, reflects her patronage of British couture and her professional stature. Visitors will see tailored suits, coats, and stunning dresses that highlight the evolution of fashion and the role of clothing in shaping a woman’s career.

Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music & Tourism, said: "This exhibition is a celebration of British design, business leadership, and cultural heritage. Gloria Levin’s story is one of ambition, style and influence, and Hardy Amies’ designs bring that story to life. We’re proud to host this collection in Southend and invite everyone to come and experience it."